--Require
voting instructions to be printed on each ballot secrecy sleeve or contained in
a pocket on the front of the sleeve, rather than printed on each ballot.

--Prescribe
voter instructions for primary, general, nonpartisan, and special elections,
and provide that these would be the only instructions that could be given to an
elector.

--Eliminate
provisions prescribing the form of a ballot and listing of candidates' names,
and instead require ballots to be prepared as prescribed by the Secretary of
State based upon the voting equipment used in each county.

--Require
instructions concerning the method of voting to be included with each absent
voter ballot furnished to an absent voter.

--In
2012 only, require the State convention of all political parties to commence at
least 58 days before the general November election, rather than 60 days.

The bill also would repeal a section
prescribing the manner in which an elector must mark a ballot.

MCL 168.560 et al. Legislative
Analyst: Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on
State government.

Local election clerks' offices could
realize an increase in costs due to the requirement that each ballot have
voting instructions included with the ballot. In addition, there are
provisions in the bill that would require the instructions to be replaced under
certain circumstances. The exact amount of costs is indeterminate and would
depend on the number of elections held.

Date Completed: 5-4-12 Fiscal
Analyst: Joe Carrasco

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan
Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute
an official statement of legislative intent.